April 24, 2025
For Immediate Release
Contact: Katie Thompson, kthompson@keealliance.org, (215) 792-2101
Today, the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) applauds Governor Shapiro and his team for introducing a full slate of legislation seeking to modernize and accelerate Pennsylvania’s energy landscape through his Lightning Plan. As a trade association representing over 70 energy efficiency businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, KEEA is particularly excited to continue working alongside the Administration and the General Assembly to revisit Act 129 – the state’s electric energy savings program for all customers. House Bill 505, sponsored by Representative Kyle Donahue, covers Act 129 reforms.
Many proposed updates from the Governor have the potential to build upon years of Energy Efficiency successes. Since program inception, Act 129 has contributed over $9 billion in energy benefits to consumers, saved over 20 million megawatt-hours of consumption, and strategically leveraged investments to deliver a return of $1.44 for every dollar spent.
The program underscores the critical importance of energy efficiency as a highly cost-effective strategy to reduce load on the grid, save consumers money and deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits. Unlike other approaches, investments in energy efficiency immediately lessen the strain on the already overloaded grid, which has proven to have vulnerabilities, especially at peak demand. In the face of today’s consistently rising utility rates, it is imperative to help everyone shave their usage to reduce costs – especially those who face the highest energy burdens.
Proposed modernization of the Act 129 program spending limit (i.e. “cost-cap”) to a more modern baseline, broadening the scope of funding applicability to include pre-weatherization, and pilot programs, and a revised penalty structure with an aim to incentivize rather than simply mandate participation will make a lasting impact on Pennsylvania rate payers who are already experiencing rising energy costs.
KEEA is committed to working through the legislative details of the program to ensure outcomes that protect investments from unnecessary spending, reduce broader energy demand on the grid (including all energy, not just electric), and shield against program opt-out from industry players.
The Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) and the Energy Efficiency Alliance of New Jersey (EEA-NJ) are a joint 501(c)6 trade organization representing member businesses and collaborating organizations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Their shared mission is to champion energy efficiency as the foundation of a clean, just, and resilient energy economy. KEEA and EEA-NJ envision a world in which energy efficiency anchors all efforts to meet our ongoing energy needs, improve health and comfort, promote energy equity, and protect our climate.